Sanford Hunter “Sam” Holland was born in Scottsboro, Alabama, on October 2, 1946, to Mattie and Sam Holland. He was a 1965 graduate of Scottsboro High School. He graduated in 1969 from Auburn University and in 1972 from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry. He went on to have a successful dental practice in Scottsboro for over 40 years.
Sam was an active community volunteer in his younger years. He spent countless hours as a member of the Jackson County Hospital Board, Goose Pond Board, and Jackson County Auburn Club, of which he was a past president. He greatly enjoyed his time as a member of Rotary International.
Scottsboro First Baptist Church was especially important to Sam throughout his life. He thought of the Worrell Sunday School Class as his second family and was an active deacon for many years. When he was younger, he was a teacher in FBC’s children’s ministry, leading RA’s and volunteering in the church nursery.
Sanford Hunter “Sam” Holland, age 74, passed away Monday, September 6, 2021, at UAB Hospital due to complications from COVID. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Mary Ann Harris Holland, daughter Julie Holland Griggs, son Alex Hunter Holland (Betsy), and grandchildren Holland and Tess Griggs, and Annie, Elle and Drew Holland; brothers, Ralph Holland and Paul (Sherry) Holland; and several nieces and nephews.
Sam had many interests throughout his life. He especially loved golf and spent much of his time playing both locally and at Shoal Creek, where he was a member. In his early adulthood, he had a passion for snow skiing and made many trips to his favorite destination of Beaver Creek, Colorado. He enjoyed buying and selling cars of all kinds. Anyone who knew Sam knew there were few things he enjoyed more than watching Auburn athletics and cheering on the Tigers.
His greatest soft spot, however, was always for children. Sometimes called “the baby whisperer” by his friends because of his gentle and loving ways with children, he could soothe almost any youngster. Children had a natural affinity for him, whether his own grandchildren brought him enormous pride or strangers he passed on the street. His heart especially went out to little ones he feared might be hungry or in need. For these reasons, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes in place of flowers at www.alabamachild.org or a charity of your choice.
